A Scots wrestling promoter has resigned after being accused of sexual harassment and physical abuse against women.
Mikey Whiplash, whose real name is Michael John Gilbert, has issued an apology after several allegations were made against him on Thursday.
The 39-year-old, who lives in Glasgow, admitted grabbing a woman by the throat and sending inappropriate messages to another young lady.
Meanwhile, the UK wrestling scene has been rocked by a series of horrific claims including sexual assault and rape which are alleged to have been carried out by several male fighters.
Dozens of brave women have shared their stories with the hashtag #SpeakingOut on Twitter as calls grow for the industry to tackle misogyny and abuse.
Gilbert, who co-owned Glasgow based wrestling company Fierce Females, has now severed ties with the company and issued a statement addressing some of the claims against him.
He wrote: “First off I’d like to apologise with regards to my recent actions that have been brought to light to both the women that my actions have effected and those that put their trust in me whilst working on the shows.
“I’d like to apologise to the female backstage reporter from ICW, who I got into a heated argument with during after show party on Dec 2nd 2018 and whilst trying to remove her from my personal space grabbed her by the throat.
“I have absolutely no defence for these actions.
“I would like to point out ICW management acted quickly in dealing with the incident and removed me from all up coming dates and suspended me.
Gilbert, who works at Source Wrestling School, added: “With regards to any of the women that I made feel bullied and belittled I am sorry for making you feel anything other than the talented individuals that you are.
“As of an hour ago, I resigned my position as co-owner of Fierce Females which will now be ran solely by Veda Rose and her team.
“To all those that I held to such high standards and then failed myself I am sorry to have let you all down.”
Fierce Females also confirmed the shamed wrestler’s departure in an anonymous statement shared on Twitter.
